Advertise on podcast: DirtSubies

You don't need a huge lift or a crazy Subaru build to get off the pavement and start exploring.  In this episode of the DirtSubies Podcast, I'm hanging out with my good friend Kris (@kris_pnw) to talk about his experience exploring the Pacific Northwest in Subarus. Kris currently drives a 2018 Outback that isn't running a traditional lift kit, but that hasn't stopped him from getting out on forest roads, exploring the mountains, pushing through deep snow, camping, and putting some serious miles on the car.  We talk about his current Outback setup, the Forester he owned before it, tires, recovery gear, camping equipment, skid plates, and some of the lessons he's learned along the way. We also get into his experiences on the Washington Backroad Discovery Route, exploring the Olympic Mountains, and a recent 2,000+ mile road trip through Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  More than anything, this conversation is a good reminder that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars modifying your Subaru before you start using it. A decent set of tires, some basic recovery gear, and a willingness to get out there can take you a surprisingly long way.  Kris is also a close friend of mine, so naturally we get sidetracked, tell some stories, and goof off along the way.  Follow Kris: Instagram & TikTok: @kris_pnw  Support the companies that support DirtSubies:  Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) Subaru lift kits, skid plates, suspension parts, and off-road accessories that I've personally used for years. https://awdadventure.com Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off   MeLe Design Firm Performance battery mounts, lightweight batteries, and other parts I've used in my Subaru builds for over 5 years now. https://meledesignfirm.com Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off  Thanks for watching! #Subaru #SubaruOutback #OffRoadSubaru #Overlanding #DirtSubies

Joe @21.ascent joins me on the podcast to talk about his lifted 2021 Subaru Ascent, why he chose it over buying a truck, and what it's actually like to build one for camping, exploring, and everyday life.  We get into his wheel and tire setup, lift kit, modifications, camping, Overland Expo, and what it's been like owning one of Subaru's least-modified platforms. We also spend some time talking about his previous Outback, Honda projects, and why the Ascent ended up being the right fit for where he's at in life.  If you've been thinking about lifting a Subaru Ascent or you're just curious what these SUVs are capable of off pavement, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.  Follow Joe: Instagram: @21.ascent  Huge thanks to the companies that help support the podcast.   Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off your order.  MeLe Design Firm Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off your order.   Want to be a guest on the DirtSubies Podcast? Reach out through the Lifted Imports website.  #subaru #subaruascent #liftedsubaru #offroadsubaru #overlanding #subarubuild #subaruoffroad #dirtsubies

Like a lot of us, Josh didn't originally buy his Subaru with plans of turning it into a dedicated off-road build. But somewhere along the way, a track-oriented daily driver turned into one of the most recognizable off-road Subarus in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Josh shares how he got started in the Subaru community, how he met Milton (@silverbulletxv), and what he's learned after years of pushing a Subaru far beyond what most people think our cars are capable of. I really enjoyed chatting with him about water crossings, snorkels, lighting setups, suspension, recovery gear, trail repairs, and the reality of wheeling a Subaru instead of a traditional 4x4. Josh also shares some great stories from the trail and some practical advice for anyone looking to build a capable adventure rig of their own. Check Out Our Sponsors: ADF (Anderson Design & Fabrication)Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off your order MeLe Design FirmUse code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off your order

Like many of us, Molly originally bought her Crosstrek because she wanted something safe, reliable, and practical. But very quickly, she discovered the off-road Subaru community and has become an experienced driver and source of inspiration for other Crosstrek owners. In this episode, we talk about her 2017 Crosstrek build, Primitive Racing suspension, camping setups, traveling across the country to meet other Subaru owners, and the people in the community who helped shape her build along the way. Some of the topics we cover are things like: camping out of a Crosstrek off-road tires on a Subaru first off-road experiences suspension and lift kit discussion fuel mileage after mods traveling to the Pacific Northwest transmission cooler upgradesOne of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing about the people who helped Molly along the way. This episode really captures a side of the Subaru community that I think a lot of us relate to. Follow Molly:@The.Neverending.Subie on Instagram Huge thanks to Molly for coming on the podcast. Support our awesome sponsors by using code DIRTSUBIES for:5% off at Anderson Design & Fabrication10% off at MeLe Design Firm #subaru #crosstrek #offroadsubaru #liftedsubaru #subarucrosstrek #overlanding #subie

Tom aka @4BanginWagon joins us this week to talk about his lifted Subaru builds, how Boxerfest got him excited about modifying Subies, and the terrifying accident that totaled his lifted Outback after another driver crossed into his lane. We also get into: Why he immediately bought another Subaru after the crash His new 2022 Forester build Atturo Trail Blade tires Spacer lift install process Pennsylvania winters and snow wheeling Upcoming plans for the buildFollow Tom on Instagram: @4banginwagon Check out Lifted Imports: https://liftedimports.com Support the small businesses that support DirtSubies: ADF: awdadventure.comUse code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off MeLe Design Firm: meledesignfirm.comUse code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off #Subaru #Forester #Outback #Overlanding #LiftedSubaru #OffroadSubaru #DirtSubies #SubaruForester #SubaruOutback #Boxerfest

I sat down with Jim, the owner of a 2015 Outback that actually gets used the way an off-road rig should. We talk about a major off-road error that ended up costing him thousands, what led up to it, and what he should’ve done differently. If you’ve ever hit a puddle a little too confidently, this one will hit home. We also get into building a capable Subaru in your driveway, trail riding on the East Coast, and the Offroad Roos community pulling over 40,000 pounds of trash out of the woods. Follow Jim:Instagram: @LittleRubySubie Support the channel by checking out our awesome sponsors:Use code DIRTSUBIES Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) – 5% off MeLe Design Firm – 10% offWant more Subaru themed content? Check out the Subie & YOU! Podcast and The Wave Podcast wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.

Most people just lift their Subaru and stop there. But my buddy Ryan didn’t. In this episode, we break down his Outback build that went way further than most people are willing to go. We talk about tires, suspension, offroad parts choice and real-world trail use. We also go over some things that Ryan would have gone back and done differently now that he's got more experience with the Subaru platform. If you’re thinking about lifting your Subaru, this is one you’ll want to check out. Consider using Ryan's link and code to get the Upside app. It'll save you some money on gas and other items: Get 15¢/gal extra cash back on your first fill-up + 10% back on your first restaurant or grocery purchase. Use code 853RH or download here: https://upside.app.link/853RH Thank you to our awesome sponsors. These are parts that I've been using for years and have spent my own hard earned money on:Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF)Get 5% (10% this month) off with code DIRTSUBIES https://awdadventure.com MeLe Design FirmGet 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES https://meledesignfirm.com

In this episode I sit down with Cory (aka @sk8foz) to talk about his 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness build, how he got into the Subaru off-road scene, and the lessons he learned along the way. Like a lot of people, Cory had no idea the lifted Subaru community even existed when he bought the car. Shortly after he was already on the trail scraping the bumper, overheating the car, and figuring things out as he went. We get into: • His Forester Wilderness build• Spacer lift vs coilovers• Falken Wildpeak tire choice• Skid plates and protection mods• The $1200 roof box mistake• Night runs and ditch lights• CVT limitations off-road• The Subaru off-road community in SoCal If you're thinking about modifying a Forester Wilderness, Crosstrek, or Outback, there are some great takeaways here — especially if you're new to off-roading like Cory was. I'd also like to mention that Cory has done volunteer work/donated to the following organizations: National Alopecia Areata Foundation naaf.org and also with @dadirtyroos doing cleanup events at the Nevada Desert Wildlife Preserve. Follow Cory:Instagram: @sk8foz SponsorsHuge thanks to the companies that support the podcast. Anderson Design & FabricationLift kits, suspension parts, and Subaru off-road accessories https://awdadventure.comUse code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off MeLe Design FirmPerformance battery mounts and lightweight batteries for enthusiast builds https://meledesignfirm.comUse code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off

In this episode, I’m joined by Josh aka @Further_Motion, one of the early builders who helped kick off the lifted VB WRX movement when everyone else was busy hating on the car. We dig into why he chose a 2022 Subaru WRX, what it was like cutting into a brand new car, and how the build evolved from a daily driver into a full on safari-style experiment. Josh breaks down suspension choices, wheel and tire fitment, spacer vs spring lifts, and Crosstrek & Forester parts swaps. We also talk about CV axle myths, drivetrain concerns, and why sometimes the smartest mod is knowing when to stop. If you’ve ever thought about lifting a VB WRX or wondered whether it’s actually practical, this episode answers a lot of real-world questions. Follow Josh / Further MotionInstagram: @further_motion Our Awesome Sponsors:Anderson Design & Fabrication5% off with code DIRTSUBIES MeLe Design Firm10% off with code DIRTSUBIES

In this episode, I’m joined by John from Subaru Off-Road Adventures, and this one is full of good real-world Subaru experience. We get into why John stopped wheeling his newer Forester and built an SG Forester strictly for off-road use, what mods actually made a difference, and where Subarus realistically start to show their limits. We talk lift kits, CV axles, center diffs, rear lockers, and why more lift isn’t always better. John also shares some solid tire experience with Wildpeak AT Trails, Maxxis ATs, and why tire choice matters more than people think. We cover: Why SG Foresters are still one of the best Subaru platforms to build CVT limitations vs older drivetrains Benefits of rear lockers and VTD center diffs Tire size, width, and PSI Trail breakage stories and on-the-spot repairs DIY fabrication, bumpers, swing-out tire carriers, and learning to weld out of necessity Why Subarus make incredible overland and camping rigs, even if they’re not rock crawlersBig thanks to the brands that help support the podcast:Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF)Lift kits, skid plates, and other Subaru off-road accessories that I useUse code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off your order MeLe Design FirmPerformance battery mounts and power solutions built for off-road abuse. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off your order

In this episode, I caught up with my friend Eric, better known as @Bearded_Pixel to talk about his off-road 2017 Forester XT and how it ended up becoming one of the more dialed-in turbo Subarus in Arizona (my opinion.) What started as a stock daily slowly turned into a trail-ready setup with an ADF 2-inch lift, Primitive Racing skid plates, Full Force Metal Works rock sliders, Sparco wheels, Geolandar MTs, and a bunch of other cool parts & accessories. Here are just a few of the mods Eric has on his car: • ADF 2-inch lift• Primitive Racing skid plates• Full Force Metalworks rock sliders• Sparco wheels + Geolandar MT tires• SSD light bar + hood-mounted pods + 32-inch roof light• Transmission cooler• CVT anti-wobble insert• Ultimate9  throttle controller• ScanGauge 2• RokBlokz mud flaps If you’re looking to build your Subaru, a quick shoutout to a couple companies that support what we’re doing here. You can save 5% with Anderson Design & Fabrication and 10% with MeLe Design Firm using code DIRTSUBIES at checkout. Both make solid gear I actually run and trust.

Brandt Kayser (@jackie__roo) has built one of the most capable non chassis swapped Subarus in the U.S., and today he breaks down how he built it. From lightweight Pepper Pot wheels to RaceWorks coilovers he rebuilds himself, Brandt explains every mod, every mistake, and every lesson learned. If you’re lifting a Subaru or trying to squeeze real performance out of an SG Forester, this episode is loaded with tons of good info! Discounts for listeners brought to you by our awesome sponsors:ADF Lift Kits and offroad parts – 5% off with code DIRTSUBIESMeLe Design Firm Battery Mounts and Subaru accessories – 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES

Can you build a reliable off-road Subaru without spending a fortune?Josh McWorthy, a 10-year Rebelle Rally tech, says yes. He took a $1,500 Forester, welded his own lift kit, sleeved $68 eBay struts, threw on used Outback wheels… and then spent thousands of miles ripping desert rally courses in it with no issue. In this episode, we talk about: How Josh built a lift from scrap steel at work Why reinforced eBay struts can survive serious offroad abuse DIY trailing arm spacers from Jeep JK control arms Bigger wheel and tire fitment Pirelli Scorpion AT performance in the desert The Rebelle Rally inside scoop and why Subarus are perfect for itThis is a legit budget Subaru that keeps up with trucks and side-by-sides in the dunes at speed without the fancy parts. Subaru Parts I Actually Recommend:If you’re looking to lift or upgrade your Subaru the smart way, these brands support the podcast: • Anderson Design & Fabrication - Lift kits, trailing arm spacers, skid plates, and more. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% OFF • MeLe Design Firm - Lightweight performance battery mounts, batteries. and other cool Subaru parts Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% OFF Support the brands that support the Subaru off-road scene 👊

Dan Benoit is back by popular demand, and we dig into a lot of topics that I've always been curious about. Follow Dan's shop on Instagram @whiskeyrowauto From keeping Subarus alive past 300k miles to why cheap parts and bad advice cost people engines, this episode covers ALMOST everything related to long-term reliability. We get into head gaskets, turbos, cooling systems, OEM vs aftermarket parts, and even some veteran automotive horror stories. If you’ve ever wondered why one car lives forever while another dies young, this episode is very informative. Discounts for the Subaru crowd:• Anderson Design & Fabrication — 5% off (code DIRTSUBIES)• MeLe Design Firm — 10% off (code DIRTSUBIES)

Special thanks to our listeners from our awesome sponsors: Use code DIRTSUBIES and checkout for 5% off your order with ADF (awdadventure.com) and 10% off at meledesignfirm.com Today I sit down with my buddy Raf, and honestly this is one of the most real conversations I’ve had on this show. It was great. We talk about the day he got laid off, how it happened, how it felt, and what goes through your head when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Raf opens up about dealing with burnout, and trying to find something that actually fits his life instead of drains it. And because we’re both Subaru nerds, we go from life-stuff straight into how he blew up his center diff, why his Crosstrek was clanking like a shopping cart, and the path that got him deep into the Subaru community in the first place.